Mile-High Headlines for Wednesday, October 22

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Taking Turns

Barack Obama’s running mate, Senator Joe Biden, spoke in Greeley to “significantly fewer people” than John McCain’s running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who swung through Loveland a day earlier, according to the Greeley Tribiune. But the Dem’s crowd was just as energetic, as Biden hammered the McCain campaign on the economy, according to the Tribune. Biden also demanded that McCain cease running “scurrilous” automated “robocalls” attacking Obama’s character, according to CBS News. McCain arrives in Denver on Friday, according to The Denver Post, for several campaign stops, including a 9 a.m. rally at the National Western Complex in Denver. … Put that red leather jacket Palin wore in Colorado Springs in a box with Dem John Edwards’ $400 haircut. Politico reports that the Republican National Committee has spent $150,000 to “clothe and accessorize” Palin and her family since August. … And perpetual third-wheel Ralph Nader will visit Boulder tomorrow for a presidential rally at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Colorado’s Glen Miller Ballroom.

Not Bad: Denver Real Estate Market

As Wall Street’s mortgage woes ripple across the country, Denver appears to be doing relatively well. In fact, the Mile-High city is among places to watch, according to Emerging Trends by the Urban Land Institute and PricewaterhouseCooper, which is the “oldest, most highly regarded annual industry outlook” for real estate, according to MarketWatch. Federal government offices will buffer job losses. Population growth and diversifying industries will keep housing stable. “Mass transit should pay future dividends,” according to the report, which foresees a harsh couple of years ahead nationally. The Denver Business Journal notes Seattle and San Francisco are the top two cities to watch, as the industry otherwise struggles with property owners “drowning in debt” and lenders not lending. The best part of the Denver market seems to be the little guys. Homes in the $50,000 to $250,000 price range are going quick, according to The Denver Post.

Chase Banks: A National Investigation

Federal investigators say more than 30 threatening letters have been mailed from an unknown person in Amarillo, Texas, to Chase and other financial banking institutions over the past days in eight states, including 10 branches in Colorado. The letters also contain a white, powdery substance, according to The Denver Post, although tests on the stuff have so far come back negative. Some letters indicate the person who opens it will die, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which notes that the incidents have been a big drain on resources. The writer appears to be retaliating for “an action the bank may have taken,” a federal agent says. Should the person, or persons, behind the letters be found, they face hefty fines and several years in prison, according to USA Today, which notes that several dozen people were convicted this year under federal hoax and terrorism laws enacted in the wake of 9/11.

Judge Naughty’s Exit

Chief federal Judge Edward Nottingham–a.k.a. Judge Naughty–has finally resigned, as expected, in the wake of several misconduct complaints, including one by a prostitute. In a statement from his attorney’s office, Nottingham says he is “deeply remorseful for his actions,” according to the Rocky Mountain News. A woman claiming to formerly be with the Bada Bing escort agency told 9News Nottingham paid her $250 to $300 an hour once a week from February 2003 to November 2004. When federal investigators looked into the matter, she said Nottingham asked her to lie about their activities. Nottingham’s final day is October 29, and though the misconduct complaints against him were dropped, he still faces the possibility of criminal charges, including obstruction of justice, according to 9News. Nottingham was previously scrutinized by investigators after his name allegedly appeared on a list of clients for another escort business, Denver Players.

Denver Post Owner: Thinking About Outsourcing Editors

If Dean Singleton, the CEO of Denver-based MediaNews Group, has his way, your journalism degree might be worth a little less. Think digital consolidation. Think cutting costs. Think India. Singleton, who is also chairman of the board of The Associated Press, recently told the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association that he is looking at outsourcing some of his company’s operations. One target: Copyediting and design jobs, according to AP. MediaNews owns The Denver Post and more than 50 other newspapers across the country. Columnist John E. McIntyre at The Baltimore Sun wonders if guys like Singleton aren’t the reason why newspapers seem to be going the way of the do-do bird. Without decent copy editors, information will be less reliable, and trust is a commodity to newspapers, he notes, adding, “American Copy Editors Society suggests that your experience with overseas customer service call centers illustrates the likely consequences.”

The Stuff, the Mess

Welcome, high winds, gunk, slick roads, and frustrating commute. And welcome back, sun. Denver’s schizophrenic fall weather is here. The high today is expected to be just 45 degrees in Denver, although it may feel more like 20 degrees when the winds are factored, according to Fox 31 News. Unless the sun pops out. Tomorrow Denver returns to the 50s, and the 60s are expected later in the week.

It’s Official: Broncos Got Bashed Up

Going into a bye week after their humiliating 41-7 loss to the New England Patriots, some Denver Broncos are hobbling. Linebacker Boss Bailey is probably out for the rest of season with a knee injury and could require surgery, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Cornerback Champ Bailey suffered a groin injury and could be out for a month–perhaps longer. Rookie Jack Williams is expected to fill in for Champ Bailey starting with the Broncos’ next game, November 2, against the Miami Dolphins at Invesco Field at Mile High.

No TV for You!

The University of Colorado football game against Texas A&M might be one to watch–if you’re in Texas. The November 1 game, which starts around noon, won’t be aired on television, according to Boulder’s Daily Camera. So far, the only other Buffs game not to be televised was the 31-24 win against Eastern Washington in early September.

Cheapest Gallon of Gas ‘Round Here: $2.51, Sinclair/Bradley 8875 North Washington Street (via www.gasbuddy.com).